Banana shipping container and blank therefor



May 3, 1966 Filed NOV. 18, 1963 J- J. AUST 3,249,214

BANANA SHIPPING CONTAINER AND BLANK THEREFOR 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR. JOHN J. AUST ATTORNEYS BANANA SHIPPING CONTAINER AND BLANK THEREFOR Filed Nov. 18, 1963 J- J. AUST May 3, 1966 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 FIG. 5

FIG. 6

INVENTOR- JOHN J. AUST BY 7" FIG.

ATIOR N EYS United States Patent 3,249,214 BANANA SHIPPING CONTAINER AND BLANK THEREFOR John J. Aust, Toledo, Ohio, assignor to Owens- Illinois Inc., a corporation of Ohio Filed Nov. 18, 1963, Ser. No. 324,558 10 Claims. (Cl. 206-4531) The present invention relates generally to cartons. More particularly, the invention relates to a carton designed for a specific purpose; that is, the reception and containment of a cluster of bananas in such fashion that shifting or movement thereof is substantially precluded.

Bananas grown in South America and other countries of tropical climate are generally shipped north attached to their native stalk or gourd. This has the double advantage of savings in space and allowing time for ripening of the fruit to its marketable condition. It has been found, however, in the handling of the bananas in their gourd form comprising a plurality of stalks and clusters of bananas, that frequently some of the clusters of from 3 to 10 bananas will become separated from the main gourd. In the past, these clusters broken oil from the main gourd have constituted waste material; that is, they have been thrown away. The reason for this isth-at bananas, like other fruits, cannot stand being tightly packaged in contact with like fruit since circulation of air is necessary to their freshness. Furthermore, the mere physical contact tends to causespoilage. In contrast, bananas on the guord in their natural environs are pro vided by nature with sufficient spacing and positioning as to provide circulation of air under normal shipping circumstances.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a carton construction which is adapted to receive a cluster of bananas or like fruit providing a safe contact-free receptacle for the fruit, while at the same time providing circulation of air whereby spoilage is at a minimum.

It is additionally an object of the present invention to provide a specifically designed blank of novel contour and design which is adapted for ready erection and assembly into a container adapted to receive a cluster (that is, from 3 to 10 bananas).

It is also an object of the present invention to provide such a package designed so as to yield a low cost container for fruits such as banana clusters inadvertently removed from the main stalk.

The foregoing as well as other objects of the present invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the annexed sheets of drawings on which there is presented, for purpose of illustration only, several embodiments of the present invention.

In the drawings:

FIG.'1 is a partially broken, plan. view of a knocked down blank in accordance with this invention which is erectable into a carton construction as shown in other figures.

FIG. 1a is a broken away but somewhat enlarged of a portion of the blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 2 is a perspectiveview of the blank shown in FIG. 1 in an intermediate stage of its erection into a carton.

FIG. 3 is a somewhat different angle perspective view of the carton of the blank shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 and representing a further stage in its erection into a carton for containing a cluster of bananas.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view similar to that shown in FIG. 3, but from another angle showing the carton in an open position and having received a cluster of bananas.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views illustrating one type of a closure arrangement for the carton shown in FIGS. 1-4.

view

3,249,214 Patented May 3, 1966 FIG. 7 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 4, but showing the carton with its closure flaps in place and about to have the principal closure arrangement secured.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view like FIG. 7 with the package shown in its fully closed position enveloping a cluster of bananas ready for shipping.

FIG. 9 is a side elevation view of the package shown in FIG. 8, but with part of the structure shown in dotted line to disclose the relationship of the wall elements con-v stituting a portion of the principal closure arrangement for the package.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view much like FIG. 8 and serving to show .a variation in construction constituting another embodiment of the present invention.

In its simplest form, the present invention envisions a carton formed of a plurality of foldably connected panels adapted to form an enclosure of generally rectangular and cross sectional configuration, one of the walls of the container being provided with a large windowlike cutout permitting viewing and circulation of air to the contents, adjoining wall panels being provided with a slit and score arrangement defining wing flaps connected to the windowed panel, which flaps include a slit engageable with the adjoining wall panels. Ina preferred construction, the wing flaps include a lock tab, while the adjoining wall panels include reduced height flanges and a combination stop and slit opening for said lock tab.

The just preceding elements will be more clearly understood from the following detailed description of the knocked down, plan view' of the bank and the description of the erection thereof into the finished carton.

The blank is formed of a relatively stiff, sheet-like material, usually corrugated board formed of spaced facing sheets adhesively embracing a fluted. or convoluted corrugating medium. This material is a Well-known article of commerce and no further description will be or need be given.

The blank 10 formed of corrugated board having corrugation 12 is generally rectangular as shown in FIG. 1. The blank is composed of foldably connected panels 11, 13, 15, I7 and 19 separated respectively by fold score lines 20, 22, 24 and 26. The panels 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19 each have connected thereto bottom closure flaps 11a, 13a, 15a, 17a and 19a separated from the panels by fold score lines 18. The rightmost edge E of the fiaps just enumerated is cut on an angle for reasons to be explained hereinafter. The blank also is defined by an upper edge 14 and parallel spacedside edges 16 and 1601. Panel 15, which is centrally located with respect to the other panels, is provided with a large rectangular cutout 30;. the sides of which generally parallel the sides of the panel 15 to define a large window. The panels 17 and 13 are cut and slotted in a special manner, proceeding inwardly from the edge 14, and are'identified with reference numerals 34 and 3411, respectively. The notches or cut outs 34 and 34a are generally of mirror-like or reversed hand configuration.

The notch 34 in panel 17 is, in part, defined by a cut 35 which proceeds from the upper edge 14 vertically downwardly as viewed in FIG. 1 and thence angles smoothly inwardly as at 36 to terminate at the fold line 24. A horizontal fold line 37 in panel 15 connects the intersection of the out line 36 and fold line 24 with the cutaway portion 30. The notch 34 in panel 17 is further defined by cut edge 38 which proceeds in irregular fashion downwardly from the upper edge 14 of the blank 10 to define a foldable lock tab 40 and a generally horizontal'slit 42 before terminating at the cut 35. The lock tab 40 is foldable about score fold line 39. The slit 42 separates curved portions 41 and 43 of a wing flap 44 outlined by the edge 38, the cut 36, the fold line 24 and top edge 14.

The notch 34a in panel 13 is, in part, defined by a cut 35a which proceeds from upper edge 14 vertically downardly and thence smoothly inwardly as at 36a to termiate in fold line 22. A horizontal fold line 37a in panel 5 connects the intersection of the out line 36a and fold me 22 with cutaway portion 30. The notch 34a in panel 3 is further defined by cut edge 38a which proceeds in regular fashion downwardly from the upper edge 14 to efine a foldable lock tab 40a and a generally horizontal it 42a before terminating at the cut 350. The lock tab 0a is foldable about score fold line 39a. The slit 47a :parates curved portions 41a and 43a of a wing flap 44a utlined by the edge 38a, the cut 36a, the fold line 22 and )p edge 14.

Wing flaps 44 and 44a, as can be seen, are foldably onnected to top wall panel 15 and these three elements re together foldable about fold lines 37 and 37a to proide a novel final closure feature of utility to the packer ser.

The blank is provided with two cut scores, generally esignated as 46 and 47, proximate the fold lines 20 and 6 and also laterally proximate the lock tabs 46a and 40. he cut score 47 is shown together with continguous lank elements somewhat enlarged in FIG. 1a. The cut 7 is actually composed of a slit 50 slightly spaced from nd parallel to fold line 26 and two connecting slits 51 and 2 which proceed from the opposite ends of slit 51) to the old line 25. The fold line doesnot extend between the -arallel slits 51 and 52. By reason of this construction, vhen the blank is folded about fold line 26, the area within he cuts 50, 51 and 52 will remain in the same plane as ianel 19 and will define a stop projection 48 and a tab eceiving opening 49 in side panel 17 (see FIG. 4). The :ut score 46 is identical to cut 47 but of reverse hand. ts individual components are, therefore,-where necessary n. the drawings, identified by the same numerals but vith a subscript a.

The erection of the blank 10 into the ultimate carton s best illustrated by reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, wherein t is seen that panels 11 and 19 are folded in the direction .hown by the arrows A into overlapping relationship as :hown in FIG. 3 wherein they are glued or stitched'together. The overlap is identified as O in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the carton is shown folded with the panels 11 and [9 in overlapping relationship defining one wall, the side panels 17 and 13 in spaced parallel relationship defining aecond and third walls and the panels 15 defining a fourth avall normal to the panels 13 and 17 thereby defining a generally closed tube.

In FIG. 4, we see the tube as viewed in FIG. 3 turned about with the panels 11 and 19 underneath defining a aottom wall. The top wall panel 15 together with the associated wing flaps 44 and 44a is folded upwardly about the fold lines 37 and 37. In this position, a cluster of bananas B can be located within the carton as illustrated, whereupon the bottom closure of flaps 11a, 13a, 15a, 17a and 19a may be closed in the manner shown in FIGS. '5 and 6. The contour of the bottom closure flaps permits them to be closed in expedient fashion by simply pushing them inwardly in concert. More specifically, the angled cut edge E of the bottom closure flaps (11a, 13a, 15a and 17a) as shown in FIG. 1 allows them to be pushed inwardly at the same time with ones fingers as shown by the arrow A-1 in FIG. 5 whereupon, after the finger pressure is removed, the flaps will snap back into a generally locked co-planar relationship as shown in FIG. 6 normal to the wall panels. It is frequently more desirable to effect closure of the one end as just described before the cluster of bananas has been located therein. In any event, with the closure flaps closed and the cluster of bananas within the carton, the next step is to effect final closing and locking of the carton. This is accomplished by manipulation of the window-containing top panel 15 and the associated wing fiaps 44 and 44a on either side. The latter are first folded over in generally perpendicular fashion and in planar relationship with the flange F por tion of the side walls 13 and 17. Then the panel 15 is 4 folded downwardly about fold lines 37 and 37. At the same time, the wing flap 44ais bent slightly so that the flanges F will be received by the slits 4%- with the irregularly shaped portion 43a of fiap 44a fitting inside of the flange F while the portion 41a fits outside (FIG. 7). At the same time, the tab 4% foldably connected to the flap 44a hits the projecting stop element, identified by the reference numeral 48a, and is thence directed inwardly into the opening 49a, thereby locking top cover panel 15 and associated wing flaps with respect to the remainder of the carton. It will be appreciated that wing flaps 44 and its components are similarly manipulated as just described. The carton is shown in its finally packed condition in FIGS. 9 and 10, for example.

In a preferred construction of the present invention (FIG. 8), the cutout or window in the panel 15 is provided with a transparent covering 86 secured to the underside with adhesive, for example. One can still see the condition of the bananas or other products inside the carton 10, but removal, accidental or purposeful, of bananas is precluded.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the cutout 34) is replaced by two cutouts 83 and84 defining therebetween a restraining strip S which prevents removal of single bananas. The cutouts S3 and 84 may-also be provided with a transparent plastic sheet, of course, if desired. In any case, the final carton is of a contour to ideally contain a cluster, of bananas safely and particularly allowing circulation of air through the end opening 9t) defined by the edge 14 of the blank.

The carton construction in accordance with the present invention is thusly defined in terms of a novel slitting and slotting, by reason of which it can be very efiicaciously erected with a single manufacturing stitched joint into a complete carton. By reason of the design of the blank, the bottom flaps are hand manipulatable into a secured, locked safety end wall which will not be opened accidentally. Furthermore, the carton construction provides a rather large variable sized opening 91 (FIG. 7) for insertion of the clump or cluster of bananas, whereupon the opening is conveniently closed by the foldable top panel 15 with its associated wing flap portions 44 and 44a. The wing flap feature permits, by reason of its novel design, a frictional engagement with the flanges F which, coupled with the locking arrangement of tabs and 40a with openings 49 and 49a, provides a completely interlocked box construction ideally adapted for containing the product as described herein for shipment from the origin to the market place.

Modifications may be resorted to without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention.

I claim:

1. A blank for forming a tube-like container receptive of a cluster of bananas, said blank being formed of relatively stiff, sheet-like material and being of generally rectangular configuration, said blank being cut and scored to define at least four panels in side-by-side relationship separated by fold lines, said blank including closure flap means foldably connected to certain of said panels, two of said panels of said blank separated by an intermediate panel constituting spaced side walls of the container when erected, said intermediate panel constituting the top wall of the container when erected, said side wall panels being cut and notched at the end opposite the closure flaps to define spaced reduced height sidewall segments in the erected container at the end opposite said closure means, said top wall panel having opposed wing flap members foldably connected thereto and defined in part by said cut and notch in the adjoining side wall panels, said flaps having oppositely contoured edges defined by said notches, said edges each including a slot generally normal to said fold lines, said slots being respectively engageable with said reduced height wall segments of the side wall panels of the erected container.

2. A one-piece blank for forming a tube-like container receptive of a cluster of bananas, said blank being formed of relatively stiif, sheet-like material and being of generally rectangular configuration, said blank being cut and scored to define at least four panels in side-byside relationship separated by fold lines, said blank including at one end closure flap means foldably connected to certain of said panels, two of said panels of said blank separated by an intermediate panel constituting spaced side walls of the container when erected, said intermediate panel constituting the top wall of the container when erected, said side wall panels being cut and notched at the end opposite the closure flaps to leave spaced reduced height side wall segments in the erected container, said side wall segments each including an oifset slit opening proximate the fold line spaced from the fold line common to the intermediate panel, said top wall panel having opposed wing flap members foldably connected thereto and defined in part by said cut and notch in the adjoining side wall panels, said flaps having oppositely contoured edges defined by said notches, said edges each including a slot generally normal to said fold lines and a foldable lock tab, said slots being respectively engageable with said reduced height wall segments of the side wall panels of the erected container and said lock tabs being simultaneously received in said offset slits in said side wall segments.

3. A one-piece blank which is formable into a tubelike container receptive of a cluster of bananas or the like, said blank being formed of relatively stiff, sheet-like material, said blank being cut and scored into generally rectangular configuration and including four foldably connected panels separated by fold lines, each panel having a free edge constituting one side of the rectangle, closure flap means foldably connected to certain of the panels at the end opposite the free edge, one of said panels not on the end including a window-like aperture, two adjoining panels being cut and notched in the free edge, said cut extending away from the free edge and thence to the fold line of the window-containing panel to thereby define wing flaps foldably connected to the windowed panel, said windowed panel including score fold lines extending from the window edge to the cutfold line intersection whereby said windowed panel and associated flaps are foldable together thereabout, said wing flaps each being provided by the notches with a slot in the edge facing the adjoining panel, said slots being generally normal to the cuts proceeding from the free edge.

4. A one-piece blank as claimed in claim 3, wherein said adjoining panels are each provided with an offset slit proximate the fold line, separating them from the next outermost panel and spaced just inwardly of the free edges, and said wing flaps are each provided with a foldable lock tab located to be received in said slits, when the erected container is closed, by folding said wing flaps normal to said windowed panel and thence the latter folded to engage said slots and the cut edges of said adjoining panels.

5. A tube-like container blank formed of a generally rectangular piece of relatively stiff, sheet-like material, said blank being cut and scored to include four to five side-by-side panels separated by fold lines, two of said panels on either side of an intermediate panel including a cut proceeding inwardly from a free edge and symmetrically curvilinearly to the fold line separating said panels from said intermediate panel, said cuts defining thereby flap members foldably attached to said intermediate panel, said fiaps having opposite but symmetrically contoured edges defining in each a slot, said slots in said flaps being engageable with the edge created in said two panels by said out as said flaps and intermediate panel are folded first into perpendicular relationship and thence as a unit with respect to the remainder of the blank.

6. A one-piece shipping container blank, said blank being formed of relatively stiff, sheet-like material and of such configuration that the container erected therefrom will be a generally elongate tube having one end of diminished cross sectional area, said blank constituting a generally rectangular outline cut and scored to define at least four side-by-side panels separated from adjacent panels by fold lines, said panels forming respectively, when erected, top, side, bottom and side walls of said container, end closure flaps foldably connected to said panels at one end, said side wall panels being cut on a line starting on the free edge opposite saidclosure flap end, continuing parallel to said fold lines, then curving sharply and angularly to the fold line separating said side wall panels from the top wall panel, said cuts defining, when the container is erected, side wall segments of reduced height at the end opposite said closure flaps, said cluts also defining lateral wing flaps foldably connected to said top Wall panel, said wing flaps having opposed edges defining a slot frictionally engageable with said side wall segments, permitting one end of the top wall panel of the container to slope downwardly toward the end opposite said closure fiaps.

7. A shipping carton for a cluster of bananas, said carton including:

a generally rectangular bottom wall,

connected upstanding side walls of L-shaped contour, the vertical leg defining the greatest height of the carton and the horizontal leg defining spaced flangelike walls of reduced height, said flange-like walls being cut to define tab deflectors and contiguous slit openings,

a top wall connecting the vertical leg segments of the side wall,

a top closure panel foldably connected to said top wall and extending coextensively with said bottom wall and the horizontal leg portion of the L-shaped side walls,

closure flaps foldably connected to said walls at the end of the greatest height, and

Wing flaps foldably connected to said top closure panel, said flaps each having a slot formed in opposite side edges and a foldable lock tab formed on said opposite side edges, said slots being adapted to receive said flange-like walls whereby said top closure panel slopes downward in the direction of said bottom wall and said lock tabs contact said tab deflectors and are directed into said slit openings.

8. The carton as claimed in claim 7 in which said top wall and top panel together include a major cutout defining a window.

9. The carton as claimed in claim 7, wherein said slots formed on opposite side edges of said wing fiaps permit portions of the flap on .either side thereof to bend relatively to the other and frictionally assume face-to-face contact with opposite faces of said flange-like walls as the top panel and flaps are folded to bring said slots and the upper edges of said flange-like walls into mating engagement.

10. A carton as claimedin claim 7, wherein the end opposite the closure flaps-bearing-end is open and unobstructed for passage of air to the interior of the carton.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,268,146 6/1918 Pinkerton 229-17 1,929,490 10/ 1933 Golden 206-45.31 2,316,457 4/ 1943 Royce 229-23 2,704,180 3/1955 Goebel et al 22936' 2,736,427 2/ 1956 Trombetta 229-22 THERON E. CONDON, Primary Examiner. W. T. DIXSON, Assistant Examiner. 

7. A SHIPPING CARTON FOR A CLUSTER OF BANANAS, SAID CARTON INCLUDING: A GENERALLY RECTANGULAR BOTTOM WALL, CONNECTED UPSTANDING SIDE WALLS OF L-SHAPED CONTOUR, THE VERTICAL LEG DEFINING THE GREATEST HEIGHT OF THE CARTON AND THE HORIZONTAL LEG DEFINING SPACED FLANGELIKE WALLS OF REDUCED HEIGHT, SAID FLANGE-LIKE WALLS BEING CUT TO DEFINE TAB DEFLECTORS AND CONTIGUOUS SLIT OPENINGS, A TOP WALLS CONNECTING THE VERTICAL LEG SEGMENTS OF THE SIDE WALL, A TOP CLOSURE PANEL FOLDABLY CONNECTED TO SAID TOP WALL AND EXTENDING COEXTENSIVELY WITH SAID BOTTOM WALL AND THE HORIZONTAL LEG PORTION OF THE L-SHAPED SIDE WALLS, 